HMC - anything for a couple, rather than a cabana?

[Marny and Ed]

There are only two of us going on the Zuiderdam August 7th, 2004 cruise. Is there anything else on the island that would be available for us that we could rent for shade etc.? The cabana doesn't seem to be a good buy for just the two of us. Does anyone have an idea?

I also read on one of these threads somewhere??? That the itinerary for the cruise leaving on August 7th has changed and is not the same as in the brochure. Has anyone else heard of this?
Thank you.
Marny

[jstducky]

you can rent what are called clamshells. i beleive they can only be purchased once you are on the ship. but they come with 2 beach chairs and a sun shade to covers both of the beach chairs. there's about 100 of them at HMC. the cost is $9 for the whole day rental. that is a cheaper alternative to the cabana and provides more than enough shade for you.

[peaches from georgia]

The clamshell that is discussed here on numerous thread about HMC can be rented for $9 and covers 2 lounge chairs. Just check out the recent threads about HMC.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

When you get to your cabin, their will be shore excursion forms. Look for the one that has Half Moon Cay. The clamshells will be listed there. They are a good bargain - $9 for the 2 of you. And you can move the lounge chairs out in the sun if you want to get a little tan, then put them back under for shade.

:)

[MandyGirl]

If you purchase the $9 clamshell on the HMC excursion list, do you still need to wait in line for a tender ticket (if not in a suite)? I remember the Maasdam letting off those with excursions with suite passengers, but I didn't know if those were only those with the excursions like parasailing, fishing, etc. I'm up early and like to arrive early, so a line won't be bothersome, but thought I would ask anyway! Thanks!

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

Even though you have rented a clamshell and it is listed on the excursion form, you still have to go to the appropriate lounge and get a tender ticket. Renting a clamshell isn't considered an excursion like para-sailing, glass bottom boat, etc.

:)

[jstducky]

when i was at HMC last week. the zuiderdam arrived early. the ship was cleared by 7:45. the announcement was made that tender tickets were available. at 8:00 am i headed over to get my tender ticket to discover there was no one in line at all!

[divinggirl]

So I'm registered for the HMC 8 AM dive. I assume I'll get early tender tix, but by the time I'm done, probably around 10 or so, will all the chairs be gone? Thinking about reserving a clamshell, but will other people try to take it if someone in my party isn't there...I guess we can just "show our papers?"

[BLStokes23]

There are plenty of chairs all along the beach. There are lots of "free" chairs and hammocks in shady areas. Unless you have to have a clamshell, you will find plenty of nice places to stay out of the sun. One of the beach bars has a really nice overall view of the beach/water too.

[Lois R]

BL Stokes...thank you for your post.....I was thinking about renting a clamshell....but for 9.00...I can have at least 2 drinks instead:D and still sit in the shade:)

[Golfgrl1911]

Marney and Ed....

If you have been corresponding with anyone on this website that's going on the same cruise, you could ask them if they would like to share a cabana with you and split the cost!! It seems like it would be a very affordable way to enjoy some of the perks that come with a cabana!! Just a thought!!
Chef Nancy

[Krazy Kruizers]

:) divinggirl

Sine you are scheduled for a HAL excursion, just report to the lounge on your shore excursion ticket which you will get once you are on the ship. There will also be a time listed to be at that lounge. Be there at least 15 minutes ahead.

Unless there is another ship to be at HMC at the same time as your ship, there should be plenty of chairs left.

But if you do decide to rent a clamshell, take your proof of purchase with you.

:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

:) BLStokes23

Noe my favorite bar area is known by all!!!!

:D :D :D

[BLStokes23]

Just another note regarding bars on HMC - on the 7/10/2004 Zuiderdam cruise there was a 2 for 1 Happy Hour during certain time periods at all the bars. The first bar in the welcome area started Happy Hour at 12:30 with the others following at 1:00. This was a nice surprise for us this time on HMC.

[mattR]

Which direction is the beach facing at HMC? Will camshells give you shade all day?

[sail7seas]

Yes, you would have shade all day in the clamshells.


If you have rented one, just present your receipt when you finish your diving and the people in the acitivities shack will be certain you get the use of the clamshell you rented.

[RealJewell]

We just returned from the 7/17 sailing, and Half Moon Cay was lovely. If you walk far enough along the beach--away from the developed and crowded area near the tender dock--you will find plenty of shade, plenty of lounge chairs, and very few people.

Enjoy.